Phoenix by T S Alexander

Author:T S Alexander [Alexander, T S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-12-14T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

Shuttle B landed on the west side of Aldeea sometimes during the night, while none of the humans in the fortress were awake. They caught up with the second team a few hours later. Their call was answered by Lt. Eleanor Wilkins, who was on duty at Landing Site Two.

“We had an uneventful flight, clear weather, no disturbances. The shuttle made it down in less than an hour. Outside things are looking good, Klaus and Dr Mertens wasted no time unloading the research kits and starting to look for samples.”

Ensign Klaus Heinlich was the only other qualified biologist Endeavour had, though only technician level. His job was to collect biological samples and run a pre-set battery of tests put together by Ewan Salter and uploaded via comm link the previous evening. Mertens, the senior geologist, was doing his own survey searching for ore rich minerals.

“Any sign of the Haillar?”

“No, everything is quiet. No sign of animal life within two miles of the shuttle. I’m not talking only about dangerous beasts, but since we set the scan four hours ago we’ve seen no animal at all.”

While the forest was alive with birds chirping, neither the first team nor the second have come across any sign of land-dwelling fauna and have only found a few species of insects. No other creature seemed to populate the forests. Yet, the Haillar grew domestic animals, the most visible being the druan, their big mounts. Peter had also seen meat and fish two nights ago in the tavern, when Aleen and Ellandra had a spicy seafood dish and some kind of red meat entrée.

At Landing Site Two, Lieutenant Xiao Chen entered the camera range and took the co-pilot seat.

“Klaus’ first tests show soil and flora similar to those at the first landing site. Completely unlike the samples taken in the Haillar gardens. None of his results show any resemblance with the Haillar biome.”

“Eleanor was just saying you have come across no land animal bigger than an ant.”

“Correct, there are birds in the trees and a few insects in the grass, but nothing else.”

“What are the plans for the rest of the day?”

“Get samples across a wider area and explore the seashore. Dr Mertens just returned from a one-hour hike to the nearest rocky outcrop, bringing not only rock samples but also different bio specimens.”

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